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Fire damages Chaparral Elementary School

Billy Armendariz, Headlight Editor

Posted:
11/01/2012 05:36:11 PM MDT

A small fire caused damage to Chaparral Elementary School Halloween night on Deming's southeast side.

The fire was reported at 8 p.m. on Wednesday, as trick or treaters were finishing their rounds in the densely populated area near East Florida and the Chaparral Elementary School neighborhood. The neighborhood traditionally gets heavy traffic on Halloween.

Deming Fire Chief Edgar Davalos said the fire was set in a dumpster that was close enough to the school to cause some smoke damage to the inside of the school. Deming Public Schools officials estimate the damage at $1,000.

"The dumpster was close enough to the building that it could have cause a lot more damage," Davalos said.

Along with the smoke damage, a wall at the school also sustained damage.

School officials are letting parents of students who have severe asthma or breathing problems know they may want to keep their students home on Thursday. All other students should report to school at regular time.

Please contact the school after 8 a.m. at 546-2047 if you have questions or health concerns.

Deming Police Chief Michael Carillo said his officers have interviewed suspects at the scene and the case is still under investigation.

Billy Armendariz can be reached at barmendariz@demingheadlight.com. Follow us on Twitter: @demingheadlight.

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